Five Decades of Service, One Mission: Community First

For more than five decades, Kenny Queen Ace Hardware has been more than a store, it’s been a community cornerstone. What started as a one-man operation in Lavalette has grown into a multi-location family business, rooted in customer service, and a relentless drive to say “yes.”

Mark Queen, who co-owns the business with his brother and parents, reflects on how it all began. In the early 1970s, Kenny and his wife purchased a small hardware store in Lavalette. He ran the store himself, stocking shelves, loading materials, and ringing up customers until the business grew enough to bring in help. As kids, Mark and his brother were already mixing paint and learning the ropes.

Queen reflects on the success of his family's business, crediting the community and strong customer relationships. Likewise, the outstanding staff of helpful associates are a large part of the success of the business.

“If we didn’t have something, his idea was that it would be on the next truck. He never told anybody, ‘We can’t get that.’ He always found a way to take care of the customer," said Queen.

That commitment hasn’t changed. Even as the business expanded from its original location in Lavalette to six locations in Lavalette, Kenova, Wayne, Barboursville, Proctorville and Ashaland, the foundation stayed the same with community first.

“My brother and I, we tell everyone, never say no,” Mark said. “Either we’re going to get it for you off the shelf, we can order it, or we’ll find it for you somewhere else.”

That philosophy shows up in stories Mark still hears from longtime customers. One that stands out to him involves a man who needed a very specific doorknob. “Dad was out of the particular style and color he wanted,” Mark recalled. “But there was one on the bathroom door in the back. So he sold him the one off the bathroom door and made sure he got what he needed.”

It’s a two-way street. The support the community gives to Kenny Queen Hardware is matched by the support the team tries to give back. They’re proud of the fact that the dollars spent in their stores stay in the community.

“The people in retail establishments and restaurants and services around here are spending money in our economy. It helps churn the dollars here,” Mark said. “If you get into the bigger boxes, a lot of those excess dollars go away, and you don’t get that support.”

And when it comes to staying connected, Mark says the Chamber has helped the business stay grounded in what matters, the people. “Sometimes you get caught in the office or caught doing the day-to-day and you’re not doing the things to promote your business and be in the community enough,” he said. “Opportunities from the chamber get you to  go talk to people, you know, shake hands, and help grow your business.”

That extra push from the Chamber often comes at the right time. Even for seasoned business owners like Mark, it’s easy to get lost in the daily grind.

“You're constantly working in the business and there's always something that needs done,” he said. “But sometimes you’re not working on the business. That’s where the Chamber has helped us.”

For Kenny Queen Hardware, those moments of visibility matter. They lead to new partnerships and new ideas. But more importantly, they help the business keep its focus where it belongs, on the community.

After more than 50 years, the mission remains simple: say yes, serve your neighbors, and keep showing up for the place you call home.